Review and Giveaway: Shakespeare for Kids - Macbeth at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater

By Amy Bizzarri

Contributor and Blogger

1/31/11 3:31 PM

This past Saturday we set out in the
miserable Chicago winter weather and headed to Navy Pier, to
witness a regicide and its aftermath: Chicago
Shakespeare Theater's production of Macbeth was the perfect
introduction to Shakeespeare for our son, age 9, and a welcome
diversion for my husband and me,

too.

This production was
designed with kids in mind. Officially titled Short
Shakespeare! Macbeth, its a condensed but certainly
not dumbed-down 75-minute version of the original.

Before the show even
begins, one of the ensemble members takes a moment to speak to the
kids in the crowd. His message: if you are having trouble
understanding our words, look to our actions. Listen to us as you
listen to a new song. The action certainly held my son's
interest: witches, battles, intrigue, madness - it's all part of
Macbeth. I had briefly outlined the basic story to him before the
show, so I wouldn't have to answer too many whispered questions
during. My son noted afterwards, "I really liked it," and judging
by the other children's eager questions during the standard Q&A
session with the actors post-show, I'd say that this production
captured the interest of not only our son.

There is more of
Shakespeare to be found in our city:
his statue, on the edge of Lincoln Park. Climb into his lap
(carefully) for a great photo op. There is also the lovely little
garden at the edge of the lagoon in Lincoln Park, where four
engraved stones detail my favorite sonnet of all, Sonnet 18,
which beings, Shall I
compare thee to a summer's day? My son and I have a standing
tradition that every time we walk past that little garden, usually
on our way to the beach or the zoo, we step onto the
stone path surrounded by lovely flowers and read the
sonnet together. It seems like forever since the last time we
meandered through that little garden, joyfully reading a love
poem from 1609, with Pupa in her buggy. Let's hope for good
news on Groundhog Day this week, that spring is indeed on its way
(and not
a blizzard).

I have a family
four pack of tickets to Short Shakespeare!
Macbeth to give away to a lucky reader. Simply
leave a comment below, answering the following
question:

I'll pick a random
winner on Thursday. The fine print: Tickets are subject to
availability. Valid by phone or in person only. Not valid in
combination with other promotions or on previously purchased
tickets.

Don't miss
Short Shakespeare! Macbeth, now playing
at Navy Pier's Chicago Shakespeare Theater, until March 5. Click
here
for show info and tickets. Remember to validate that costly Navy
Pier parking ticket at the theater box office for a 40%
discount!

** A special thanks to
the Chicago Shakespeare theater, for providing me with tickets to
review the show with my family and for hosting this giveaway.

Amy Bizzarri is a mom of two living in Logan Square. She also blogs at tiramisumom.com.